Romans 2:23

"You who say a man shouldn’t commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?"

Key Reflection

In first-century Judaism, the question "You who say a man shouldn’t commit adultery, do you commit adultery?" was aimed at those who claimed to uphold strict moral standards but failed to live by them themselves. The accusation that "You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?" similarly targeted those who professed religious devotion while committing sacrilege. These rhetorical questions exposed the hypocrisy of individuals who judged others while failing to practice what they preached, a common critique in Paul's arguments against legalism and moral superiority.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 23. Makest thy boast, etc. To boast in the law implied their conviction of its excellence and obligation, as a man does not boast of that which he esteems to be of no value. Dishonourest thou God. By boasting of the law, they proclaimed their conviction that it was from God. By breaking it, they denied it. And as actions are a true test of men's real opinions, their breaking the law did it more dishonour than their boasting of it did it honour. This is always the case. It matters little what a man's speculative opinions may be; his practice may do far more to disgrace religion, than his profession does to honour it.

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